gift for an artist

With traditional motifs that echo the shapes of the Andes mountains, this 100% alpaca shoulder bag is a standout. The artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco craft it entirely from scratch--raising the alpacas and llamas to obtain the fleece; shearing, dyeing and spinning the wool; and weaving the textile on a traditional waist loom. The fully-lined bag closes with a zipper and features an interior zipper pocket.

Made entirely by hand, this beautiful contemporary bag showcases the ancestral weaving traditions preserved by the women artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. The compact purse exemplifies the incredible time and dedication it takes to produce a handmade work of art. In the highlands they call home, before they can begin to weave the fabric for the bag, the women must first raise and shear the alpacas and llamas to obtain the wool, then dye and spin the fleece before it is ready to be woven into fabric on a traditional backstrap loom. From start to finish, the time taken to produce each bag spans the seasons. The fully-lined bag closes with a zipper and features an interior zipper pocket.

For artisan Dina from Peru, handcrafting jewelry with an Incan flair is a family affair. Her husband learned ceramic techniques from her, and the whole family works in one artisan form or another. "My work is a family endeavor and our designs are ancestral ones," she says. She designs this set of three beaded bracelets which are hand-strung. Jasper, obsidian, tiny sterling silver beads, smooth green and red beads, and handcrafted ceramic beads give the stretch bracelets a variety of colors and textures.

Also known as the Andean cross, the chakana is an ancient symbol often seen in Peru's ancient art. It represents the Southern Cross. One of the pre-Hispanic astral symbols that presided over the Andean universe, the chakana symbolizes order in family and community life. It is taken from a constellation of stars forming a square, and represents the universe connected to the center of the world. It also symbolizes a stairway toward the most high. "For me, the chakana also represents spirituality," Maria Astuhuaman confides. "It serves as a medium of connection between us and the divine." The artisan presents a sterling silver chacana in a 10 mm-wide red faux leather bracelet.

From Andean artisan Dina comes a pair of charming beaded stretch bracelets in warm tones with an Inca-inspired style. Serpentine serves as the highlight of one of the bracelets while agate is the focal point of the other; both include handcrafted ceramic beads in subtle earth tones.

Energetic vibrancy and cultural significance come together in this captivating bucket bag crafted from leather in bright shades of red. Peruvian artisan Kathiana Quispe’s chic design is accented with a colorful handwoven alpaca blend fabric adorned with traditional Inca motifs. Boasting a long, adjustable strap, allowing you to wear it cross-body, a secure zippered closure, a fully lined interior and a convenient zippered pocket, this bag is not just a fashion statement but also a practical accessory for everyday use.